Fit 50 and Beyondhttp://www.fit50andbeyond.com
Staying Healthy and FitSat, 14 Jan 2017 19:49:34 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8The Causes Of Diabetes – Are You At Risk?http://www.fit50andbeyond.com/96/the-causes-of-diabetes-are-you-at-risk/
http://www.fit50andbeyond.com/96/the-causes-of-diabetes-are-you-at-risk/#respondSat, 14 Jan 2017 19:48:58 +0000http://www.fit50andbeyond.com/?p=96Diabetes is a disease which is often misunderstood. The causes of diabetes can vary so greatly that many people are not even aware they are at risk for the disease. But diabetes is one of the largest causes of death in the western world, so it is quite important to understand its causes so that […]

]]>Diabetes is a disease which is often misunderstood. The causes of diabetes can vary so greatly that many people are not even aware they are at risk for the disease. But diabetes is one of the largest causes of death in the western world, so it is quite important to understand its causes so that it can be managed appropriately.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to properly produce and/or regulate the hormone insulin. This hormone secreted by the pancreas is responsible for regulating glucose in the human body. When insulin production is impaired or your body stops responding to it, sugar tends to build up in the blood stream and is not utilized efficiently for energy. This causes many problems in the body.

Let’s look at some of the contributing factors to the development of diabetes…

Family History

One of the main causes of diabetes includes a family history of the disease. If a close relative in a family is stricken with diabetes, other members are approximately ten percent more likely to become affected. This is due to the fact that within a family, many members have the same or similar body types.

Obesity

Diabetes is more common in people who are above average weight. The more fat that is stored on the body, the more likely this body is to become resistant to insulin. Larger people also tend to require larger quantities of insulin to regulate blood sugar. This means that the pancreas has to work harder to achieve its goal of balance within the body.

Age

Age is also a contributing factor when it comes to this disease. People over the age of forty-five are more likely to develop diabetes than younger people. There is a specific type of diabetes that is more common in young people, but only about ten percent of the population is affected. A much larger portion of adults over the age of forty-five are likely to have diabetes.

Poor Diet Choices & Lack Of Exercise

Diets that are high in processed wheat, flour and sugar are also thought to be a contributing factor for diabetes. Eating large meals which are high in sugar can cause the pancreas to push large amounts of insulin into the bloodstream at one time. This process becomes and up and down yo-yo of sugar and insulin within the body. Eventually, the pancreas is unable to keep up with the demand for insulin and the body becomes resistant.

What You Can Do To Prevent And Overcome Diabetes

A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are a great way to reduce your chances of getting this disease. People who maintain an ideal body weight and limit their intake of sugar can actually reverse some of the disease process. As diabetes progresses, more and more systems of the body become affected. This includes the circulatory system, vision and respiration and even healing factors.

Exercise and good nutrition slow the progression of diabetes and help to shield areas of the body from this damage. People with diabetes who are able to change their diet, begin exercising and quit smoking are much less likely to suffer from diabetes-related nerve damage or loss of vision. In fact, type 2 diabetes is one of the few diseases that can actually be completely reversed in many instances by taking the right steps.

Even though diabetes is considered a disease of heredity, there are many options to decrease a person’s chances of getting this terrible disease.

]]>http://www.fit50andbeyond.com/96/the-causes-of-diabetes-are-you-at-risk/feed/0What Can I Do To Fix My Erectile Dysfunction?http://www.fit50andbeyond.com/86/what-can-i-do-to-fix-my-erectile-dysfunction/
Mon, 22 Jun 2015 07:19:58 +0000http://fit50andbeyond.com/?p=86Most men can remember a time in their lives when they had little or no difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection. As the years pass, the muscles in the body do not perform at that level any longer, and erectile dysfunction (ED) can result. While there is no one single cause for ED, there are […]

]]>Most men can remember a time in their lives when they had little or no difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection. As the years pass, the muscles in the body do not perform at that level any longer, and erectile dysfunction (ED) can result.

While there is no one single cause for ED, there are several things you can do to try and restore your ability to maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. Contrary to popular belief, erectile dysfunction is not strictly an old man’s disease; it can strike men of any age and there are many causes of ED not directly related to age.

According to studies referenced by WebMD, the cause of erectile dysfunction in 75% of men is complex. Causes can include diabetes, stress, vascular disease, and side effects of surgery.

So if you’re wondering, “What can I do to fix my erectile dysfunction?”, then here are some all natural tips for eliminating impotence and improving your sex life. For those looking to explore even more options, there is also an excellent article about Jason Long’s Erectile Dysfunction Protocol, a popular diet-based ED treatment, you can find over at Newspaper Cat.

Get Out There And Exercise

Exercising has many far reaching health benefits and can help improve conditions associated with erectile dysfunction. Start slowly and begin walking a few minutes each day. The goal here is not to run a marathon; it is simply to walk for at least 30 minutes a few times each week.

Patients suffering from ED who walked for 30 minutes three times a week saw a 43% drop in their symptoms. The reason is two- fold: you are increasing blood circulation to the areas of the body that maintain the erection, and you reduce stress in your life. The distraction of walking can reduce high levels of stress and anxiety associated with erectile dysfunction.

Start Eating Better

The foods you consume on a daily basis can have a serious impact on your ability to perform sexually. Start incorporating more fruit, fish, and whole grains into your diet, while reducing your consumption of refined grains and processed meats.

According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, this simple change in diet can have a dramatic impact on the body’s ability to achieve a longer-lasting and stronger erection.

See Your Physician

Most men are embarrassed at the thought of not being able to perform in the bedroom, and seeking the help of a doctor can often add to the already high level of stress and low self-esteem. However, remember these physicians have seen it all, and visiting them will ensure your ED is not the result of a more serious condition.

High blood pressure and blood sugar combined with low levels of good cholesterol can exacerbate erectile dysfunction. Let your doctor do a physical exam to make certain you are in peak vascular health and that any problems with communication between the penis, brain, and heart are not related to medications you may currently be taking.

Work That Muscle During The Day

The old expression about losing what you don’t use holds true when it comes to the muscles in the penis. You do not have to be actively engaged in sexual intercourse to exercise the pelvic muscles.

The ischiocavernosus and the bulbocavernosus are responsible for allowing blood into the penis shaft and keeping it there during an erection. You can exercise these muscles by doing Kegel exercises during the day, even while sitting at your desk during work.

This exercise is similar to the movement of the muscle to start and stop the stream of urine when using the bathroom. Simply pull the muscle in, hold for 5 seconds, then release. Increase your hold time and you increase your muscle strength and ability to hold a strong erection during sex.

There are many options available for fixing erectile dysfunction, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works for you. In the end, it’s worth it!

]]>The Health And Fitness Opportunities For Seniors Are Endlesshttp://www.fit50andbeyond.com/77/the-health-and-fitness-opportunities-for-seniors-are-endless/
Thu, 11 Dec 2014 02:38:51 +0000http://fit50andbeyond.com/?p=77There are many ways that seniors can stay in shape and remain healthy. They are able to enjoy a variety of activities that give them an opportunity to make friends while they are enjoying something they love to do. Yoga Classes Seniors can enjoy a class in yoga. Yoga is an excellent way to keep […]

]]>There are many ways that seniors can stay in shape and remain healthy. They are able to enjoy a variety of activities that give them an opportunity to make friends while they are enjoying something they love to do.

Yoga Classes

Seniors can enjoy a class in yoga. Yoga is an excellent way to keep in shape and stay healthy. Learning yoga allows a person to have more command over their body. Since they can enjoy a wonderful workout while they are slimming their bodies and having fun, they are able to make a lot of friends in the process.

Dance Lessons

Another great way for seniors to stay fit and healthy is to take dance lessons. These dance classes can be ballroom, jazz or any other type of dancing. While in class, they have fun learning to dance to different types of music. This is a great way to stay in shape and meet new people.

Exercise Classes

Many seniors enjoy taking an exercise class. Depending on how strong they are, they can tolerate different levels of exercising. Some seniors even decide to lift weights to increase their muscle tone. If they decide that they want to do this, they should make sure they enlist the help of a trainer. The goal is to get healthy and stay fit when they apply themselves in these classes.

Walking

Walking is one of the best ways for seniors to get in their exercise. The fresh air does us all good. Seniors should walk long or short distances, whatever they can tolerate, so that they can stay fit and strong. Some seniors even like to speed walk to burn off more calories and heighten their cardiovascular system benefits.

Bike Riding

Riding a bike is another way that a senior can trim down. When they are riding their bikes on roads and trails, they should wear helmets and pads to protect themselves in case they fall. It is important that they don’t overdo it when riding their bikes. If they get tired while they are riding, it’s a good idea to stop and take a rest.

Seniors can stay fit and healthy with any of the above options. When they are getting the exercise that they need, they will feel a lot more positive about themselves. Looking and feeling great is what most seniors are trying to do for themselves.

]]>Healthy Lifestyle Changes Your Lifehttp://www.fit50andbeyond.com/22/healthy-lifestyle-changes-your-life/
Thu, 09 Oct 2014 22:45:15 +0000http://fit50andbeyond.com/?p=22Staying healthy, feeling motivated and confident is very significant for you while growing older as this stage of life brings huge changes in your lifestyle and affects your emotional, physical and mental well being. In order to achieve healthy ageing, all you need is to reinvent yourself. Following some simple tips to maintain the right […]

]]>Staying healthy, feeling motivated and confident is very significant for you while growing older as this stage of life brings huge changes in your lifestyle and affects your emotional, physical and mental well being. In order to achieve healthy ageing, all you need is to reinvent yourself. Following some simple tips to maintain the right lifestyle can keep you happy, fit and healthy.

* Getting Proper Sleep

Proper sleep is very essential for you, so is Going early to bed. Take a bath or listen your favourite music before sleeping as it will help you sleep soon. Quiet surroundings and dim lighting will provide you with a sound sleep and will maintain the optimum level of the sleep hormone melatonin.

* Maintaining Proper Exercise Routine

Before beginning with any exercise, take recommendations from a doctor to decide the right exercise according to your health. Exercise plays a huge role in reversing the effects of aging. You can join exercises in groups or individual ones. Short-time physical exercise are the best. You can increase the durations for your exercises gradually. Walking is the preferred means of exercise for you.

Exercise helps you maintain or lose weight. The metabolism lowers down with age which speeds up with exercise thereby building the muscle mass and burning more calories. A healthy weight will enhance your overall wellness.

Regular exercise reduces the chances of a number of major diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and neurocognitive function. It not only prevents diseases, but also enhances your bone density and digestive functioning.

* Healthy Eating Habits

The functioning of your digestive system deaccelerates with aging. In order to gain energy, vegetables rich in fibre and whole-grains are required to be an integral part of your diet. Dehydration is a major problem once you cross the age of fifty. Taking plenty of fluids will keep you hydrated and rejuvenated. If possible, try to have meals with your loved ones as it will regenerate your appetite.

Essential nutrients help the brain to perform. Eating lots of fruits, leafy veggies, fish and nuts rich in fatty acids improves the focus of the brain and reduces the chances of Alzheimer’s disease. Making green tea rich in antioxidants a part of your diet enhances memory at your age.

This crucial stage of life requires you to motivate yourself by being a part of healthy social habits and individual lifestyle allowing you to achieve the best of mental, physical as well as emotional spirits.

]]>Diet Tips For Seniors Over 50 Yearshttp://www.fit50andbeyond.com/19/diet-tips-for-seniors-over-50-years/
Thu, 09 Oct 2014 22:41:10 +0000http://fit50andbeyond.com/?p=19A poor diet & a sedentary lifestyle may accelerate the aging-process among adults over the age of 50 years. That is why it is important for the elderly to follow age appropriate exercise & nutrition guidelines so as to remain healthy and active. The best fitness & diet program for the seniors over the age […]

]]>A poor diet & a sedentary lifestyle may accelerate the aging-process among adults over the age of 50 years. That is why it is important for the elderly to follow age appropriate exercise & nutrition guidelines so as to remain healthy and active. The best fitness & diet program for the seniors over the age of 50 years needs to accommodate the aging changes in simple & practical-ways one can begin implementing immediately. A good diet plan for the seniors over 50 needs to take into consideration the changing nutritional requirements we experience as-we age. A slower metabolism basically means that the calories that have been consumed will certainly have a much greater impact, while a greater risk for some age related conditions/problems makes it quite essential to control fat and salt in the daily diet.

-According to Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, it is best to avoid or ignore adding any extra salt or sugar to foods, and it’s advisable you stay away from all saturated fats, trans-fats, & cholesterol. Salt is normally added to food so as to improve taste. Although sodium is basically a fundamental need-for the human body, a lot of it can create high-blood pressure & heart failure, especially in seniors older than 50 years. As the sense-of taste & smell decreases with age, it’s common for seniors to add additional-amounts of sodium to the diet. Less or little salt may make the food taste bland, however, you can choose to get creative by using spices and herbs to flavor the food instead. In case you wish to try out a salt-substitute, beware that many of them contain high levels-of potassium chloride (a risky substance for those who have kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, or other specific-medical conditions). Check with your doctor first or a registered dietitian in case you want-to try out a salt-substitute or wish to change your daily diet plan.

-Another element you need to watch out for in your daily diet, is vitamin A. Although many seniors over 50 years take in less-than the recommended amount per day, the supplements aren’t likely to be needed, since with age the liver-processes vitamin A to a much lesser degree, thus making the daily-requirement less.

-Women over 50 years require about 1,600 to 2,200 calories per/day, depending on the activity level. Men over 50 years need about 2,000 to 2,800 calories per day. Excessive calories will lead to weight-gain, which is associated with increased-risk for hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. You should keep your calorie consumption under-control by reducing fat and sugar, watching your portion size & eating several small-meals per day rather than three large ones.

In conclusion, creating a good diet plan will be easy if you make 1 small change-at a time. For instance, you can reduce the fat consumption by serving chicken or fish in place-of beef a couple of times per week or you can switch to olive oil or canola oil for cooking. When you are eating out, you can order grilled or broiled entrees. Eat nuts,or fat free pretzels rather than potato chips. By introducing a few small changes, the transition becomes easier, and results add-up quickly.

]]>Senior Fitness Safety Tipshttp://www.fit50andbeyond.com/16/senior-fitness-safety-tips/
Thu, 09 Oct 2014 22:37:50 +0000http://fit50andbeyond.com/?p=16As you grow older, it becomes more important than ever to maintain an active lifestyle. If you have not been keen on health and fitness in the past, your fifties are the best time to start. And don’t worry even if you are older than 50, it is never too late. It is important, however, […]

]]>As you grow older, it becomes more important than ever to maintain an active lifestyle. If you have not been keen on health and fitness in the past, your fifties are the best time to start. And don’t worry even if you are older than 50, it is never too late. It is important, however, to keep in mind that embarking on a fitness regime when you are older comes with more complications. Your body is no longer as young and flexible as it used to be, and you may even be suffering from certain conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

It is therefore important to follow the following senior fitness safety tips before you get jump start your active lifestyle.

1. Get medical clearance first.
Before you make your way to the gym to get started on an exercise regime, visit your doctor and have a little chat. Ask whether there are any activities you should avoid. This is especially important if you have a pre-existing condition.

2. Consider your health concerns.
If you have a health problem, you need to factor this when making an exercise schedule. For example, if you have diabetes you will need to consider adjusting the timing of medication and meal plans when drawing up your new exercise schedule.

3. Start slowly.
If you have enjoyed a sedentary lifestyle in your earlier years, do not make the mistake of going ‘all out’ when you start your fitness regime. You will crash and burn if you approach your new lifestyle this way. Instead, build up your exercise program bit by bit. Space your workouts in a way that enables you to comfortably adjust.

4. Focus on short-term goals.
This is a good way to stay motivated as short term goals are easily achievable compared to long term goals such as weight loss. Some short term goals may include stress reduction and boosting of energy levels.

5. Commit to your exercise schedule.
Purpose to commit to your exercise schedule for about 3 to 4 weeks so that it becomes a habit and before you know it you will be taking to exercise like a duck to water.

6. Recognize problems.
If you experience pain during exercise, that is your cue to stop. Exercise should not make you feel pain. In case you feel dizzy, short of breath or develop chest pain, call your doctor immediately. Engage in exercise only if it leaves you feeling better.

Staying fit and healthy when you are over 50 is possible if you are committed to making it so.